Douluo: When the piano sounds, the hidden weapon returns to the factory

In the soft morning light, Ye Lingling finished her breakfast, tidied her clothes, and then carried Xiao Wu towards the guest room. The little rabbit wriggled restlessly in her arms, its red eyes constantly looking around, clearly eager to see Tang San again.

Although she had already treated Tang San's injuries the night before, as the mistress of the Ye family, she still had to fulfill her due respect. She specially instructed her maids to prepare a nourishing medicinal meal and came to visit him in person.

As they passed through the corridor, the morning dew had not yet dissipated. Xiao Wu suddenly perked up her ears, her three-lobed nose twitching incessantly—she had caught that familiar scent. Ye Lingling felt the small body suddenly tense in her arms and instinctively slowed her pace. The delicate fragrance of crabapple blossoms drifted in the morning breeze with each step.

A maidservant, carrying an ornately carved food box, quietly followed behind Ye Lingling. Morning light filtered through the vines of the corridor, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone slabs.

"How is the injured person?" Ye Lingling asked softly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking Xiao Wu's downy hair.

The maid lowered her voice and reported, "After Miss's treatment last night, Madam Yuehua stayed by her side, feeding her blood-nourishing medicine. She did wake up this morning, but..." She paused, "...she still refuses to speak, staring blankly at the piece of wood in her hand."

Xiao Wu suddenly trembled in Ye Lingling's arms, her red eyes welling up with tears. Ye Lingling gently patted her back to comfort her.

"Hmm," Ye Lingling responded thoughtfully, her gaze falling on the restless Xiao Wu in her arms. She thought to herself: If Tang San recognizes this rabbit as Xiao Wu, that would be real trouble.

Unconsciously stroking Xiao Wu's downy fur, Ye Lingling finally decided to take her there. Based on yesterday's diagnosis, and Tang San's blank stare at the wooden piece after waking up, he must have already concluded that Xiao Wu was dead—this understanding, ironically, became the best cover at this moment.

A morning breeze rustled the wind chimes under the eaves, producing a crisp sound. Ye Lingling took a deep breath, glanced down at Xiao Wu who was nervously listening, and said softly, "You should know what to do, right?"

After turning the last corner of the corridor, the guest room door was right in front of them. Xiao Wu's body suddenly trembled violently, her red eyes fixed on the door, her claws unconsciously gripping Ye Lingling's sleeve.

As dawn broke, the two people and the rabbit arrived at the guest room door. Xiao Wu's red eyes shimmered with a complex light in the morning light, reflecting both her worry for Tang San's injuries and her anticipation of their upcoming reunion.

A maidservant stepped forward and gently knocked on the carved wooden door, the crisp sound echoing through the corridor. A moment later, the door opened slightly, revealing Tang Yuehua's haggard yet still elegant face. She had faint dark circles under her eyes, clearly indicating she hadn't slept all night.

"Lingling is here." Tang Yuehua stepped aside to make way, her gaze pausing slightly when it swept over the little white rabbit in Ye Lingling's arms, but she didn't say anything more. The morning breeze swept through the hall, bringing the fragrance of crabapple blossoms from the courtyard, and also stirring Xiao Wu's snow-white fur.

The little rabbit shifted restlessly in Ye Lingling's arms, its red eyes peering through the gaps, eagerly searching for that familiar figure.

"Lady Yuehua, is the injured person feeling better?" Ye Lingling asked softly, while Xiao Wu in her arms unconsciously tensed up.

Tang Yuehua stepped aside, her brows furrowed with worry. "He's awake, but he's been staring blankly at that piece of wood," she said in a low voice. "I didn't dare say anything, afraid of upsetting him."

Ye Lingling nodded in understanding and gestured for the maid to bring the food box: "I've brought you breakfast. I'll go check on things again." She gently stroked Xiao Wu's fur with her fingertips, calmly soothing the restless little rabbit.

Tang Yuehua nodded slightly and led Ye Lingling to the bedside. Morning light filtered through the gauze curtains, dappling the bed—Tang San leaned against the headboard, his pale fingers tightly gripping a blood-stained piece of wood, his empty gaze seemingly piercing through the object before him, looking towards some distant, unreachable place.

Xiao Wu trembled violently in Ye Lingling's arms, her red eyes instantly welling up with tears. She instinctively tried to pounce on Ye Lingling, but Ye Lingling subtly held her down.

Tang Yuehua looked at her nephew with concern and said softly, "He's been like this ever since he woke up." Her voice was filled with heartache and helplessness. The dark red piece of wood looked particularly glaring in the morning light, as if silently telling a heart-wrenching story.

Just as Ye Lingling slowly approached, Tang San's empty eyes suddenly sharpened, his gaze piercing like an arrow towards the little white rabbit in her arms. His pupils contracted sharply, and his chapped lips trembled as he uttered two words: "Xiao Wu."

Ye Lingling's heart skipped a beat, and she looked down at Xiao Wu in her arms. She saw that the little rabbit had only tilted its head, its red eyes full of confusion, and it even shrank into her arms, just like an ordinary frightened pet.

Only Ye Lingling could feel the small body trembling slightly beneath her palm. Xiao Wu knew better than anyone that if she revealed even the slightest flaw, she might lose the chance to see Tang San forever. She suppressed the urge to rush towards her lover, feigning ignorance, while her claws, hidden beneath the fur, dug deeply into Ye Lingling's sleeve.

Tang Yuehua looked at her nephew with suspicion: "A mistress?"

Tang San's eyes gradually dimmed, and he shook his head self-deprecatingly: "I was mistaken." He gripped the wooden shard even tighter, his knuckles turning bluish-white. In the morning light, several fresh cracks were faintly visible along the edge of the bloodstained wood shard.

Ye Lingling calmly stroked the white rabbit in her arms. "This was a pet that Yanyan caught in Sunset Forest a few days ago and gave to me to keep me entertained." She lightly tapped Xiao Wu's ear with her fingertip. "But it does indeed bear some resemblance to Miss Xiao Wu's martial spirit."

Tang San's tense expression gradually relaxed. He quietly released his spiritual power to investigate, but he couldn't sense any soul power fluctuations from the rabbit, nor could he detect any familiar aura.

"Yes. How could it be Xiao Wu?" Tang San looked down at the broken piece of wood in his hand, his voice hoarse as if it had been sanded. His fingertips unconsciously rubbed the dark red bloodstains on the wood, the treasure he had risked his life to protect.

Xiao Wu was as quiet as a real doll in Ye Lingling's arms, with only her slightly trembling ear tips revealing the turmoil in her heart.

"It seems that Sect Leader Tang is out of danger," Ye Lingling said softly. "Many people are waiting to help you; don't let your loved ones worry."

Tang San looked up at Ye Lingling, his gaze finally settling on the little white rabbit in her arms. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, his voice hoarse: "Thank you for saving me, Miss Ye. However..." He paused, a pleading glint in his eyes, "...would you be willing to part with this rabbit? I'll do anything you ask, Miss Ye."

Although reason told him this couldn't be Xiao Wu, those identical ruby ​​eyes and that familiar expression made it impossible for him to look away. It was as if possessing this rabbit could slightly fill the blood-soaked void in his heart.

Xiao Wu froze in Ye Lingling's arms, her red eyes fixed on Tang San's slightly gaunt face. Ye Lingling felt her sleeve being unconsciously gripped by claws, and she soothed the restless little rabbit.

Ye Lingling gently shook her head, her fingertips softly stroking Xiao Wu's downy fur: "Sect Leader Tang, you flatter me. This was a gift from Yan Yan, and I really cannot give it away." She gazed tenderly at Tang San, her voice as melodious as a clear spring: "However, if Sect Leader is interested, you might consider finding a similar one in Sunset Forest. Using a pet to express longing is certainly a good way to heal a broken heart." The light in Tang San's eyes gradually dimmed. He looked down at the blood-stained wood shard in his hand, his voice hoarse: "Thank you for your guidance, Miss Ye." His slender fingers unconsciously caressed the edge of the wood shard, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.

Xiao Wu remained motionless in Ye Lingling's arms, her red eyes fixed on Tang San. Morning light filtered through the window curtains, casting a soft glow on the scene. Ye Lingling felt her sleeve being gently tugged by a claw, knowing that Xiao Wu was silently thanking her for her thoughtfulness.

Tang Yuehua stepped forward at the opportune moment and took the medicinal meal from the maid: "Little San, have some breakfast first." Her gentle voice broke the momentary silence. Tang San then came to his senses, forcing a smile, but it was more heartbreaking than crying.

Ye Lingling carried Xiao Wu out of the inner room and exchanged quiet greetings with Tang Yuehua in the outer hall. She deliberately slowed her speech to give Xiao Wu more time to look at each other.

Xiao Wu nestled quietly in Ye Lingling's arms, her fluffy head resting gently on her slender arm. From this angle, her ruby-like eyes could just pierce through the half-open door and see the lonely figure on the bed in the inner room.

Tang San remained in that position, his slender fingers unconsciously stroking the wooden piece. The morning light filtered through the gauze curtains, softening the outline of his pale profile, but it could not dispel the sorrow that had settled between his brows.

As Ye Lingling talked with Tang Yuehua, she subtly adjusted the angle of her embrace. Xiao Wu's ears twitched slightly, taking in every word about Tang San's current situation. Their conversation masked the almost inaudible gasps of the little rabbit.

On the other side, Feng Yao's figure reappeared on the streets of Tian Dou City.

After leaving the Ye residence, he went straight to Sunset Forest to visit Dugu Yan. Unexpectedly, Dugu Bo told him some unexpected news—with the help of the Blue Silver King, Dugu Yan had entered seclusion.

A playful smile played on Feng Yao's lips as his fingertips lightly traced the jade pendant at his waist. He naturally understood that, clearly, under Dugu Bo's coercion and enticement, the Blue Silver King had yielded and had begun a deal with Dugu Bo.

Left with no other choice, Feng Yao had to return to Tian Dou and head towards Qian Renxue. Now that he had reached the Soul Douluo realm, he clearly realized that conventional cultivation was no longer effective. Although his soul power continued to accumulate, it became increasingly stagnant, like hot cocoa gradually cooling down. Even with his best efforts, he could hardly stir up the slightest ripple.

This increasingly stagnant state of soul power finally made Feng Yao understand why high-level soul masters often no longer rely on meditation for cultivation. Before condensing this almost solidified soul power within their bodies into a soul core, their meridians and sea of ​​qi are like containers filled with mercury, unable to hold even a fraction of new energy. And the soul master's life level will forever be shackled at the level of a Title Douluo, unable to advance an inch.

Feng Yao walked alone on the central avenue bathed in the setting sun, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the jade pendant at his waist. His thoughts drifted among the myriad possibilities of condensing a soul core. The elixir within his body had long since replaced the function of a soul core. What kind of effect would it have if he were to condense his first soul core?

Suddenly, a tall, slender figure blocked his path, and a shadow appeared silently on the bluestone pavement. When he looked up, he saw that the person was completely unfamiliar, but he had seen this person dressed quite often before.

The disciple bowed slightly, a section of his robe embroidered with a dark pattern of seven treasures and glazed tiles peeking out from under his sleeves. His posture was respectful yet not servile, and his voice was gentle and refined: "Lord Marquis, the Sect Master requests your presence."

Feng Yao's gaze narrowed slightly, pulling him from his reverie to fall upon the uninvited guest. He raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Oh? Sect Leader Ning invited me alone?"

"Indeed." The disciple bowed again. "The sect master said that if Your Excellency the Marquis has the time, you would like to come with me for a chat now."

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly, a playful smile flashing in his eyes. He lightly tapped the jade pendant at his waist with his fingertips, the crisp sound particularly clear in the quiet street. Recalling his recent actions, he already knew in his heart—that old fox Ning Fengzhi had probably already smelled something.

"Interesting." Feng Yao chuckled softly, his gaze turning deep as he looked at the disciple. "What if I said I wasn't going?"

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciple remained expressionless, merely bowing slightly. His voice, though respectful, carried an undeniable air of authority: "The School Master has stated that if the Marquis refuses, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will fully support Prince Xue Beng's ascension to the Eastern Palace."

A night breeze swept by, lifting the hem of Feng Yao's robe. A flash of cold light appeared in his eyes, but he quickly regained his languid and composed demeanor.

"Oh?" Feng Yao raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.

This private invitation, unseen by Qian Renxue, clearly indicated that there was something to discuss in private. Feng Yao lightly tapped the jade pendant at his waist with his knuckles. He was certain that Qian Renxue's identity had not yet been exposed, but Ning Fengzhi's action was quite meaningful—this leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had probably already branded him with the mark of the Spirit Hall in his heart.

If you refuse
Feng Yao's lips curled into a half-smile. Ning Fengzhi was clearly telling him: if he chose to refuse communication, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School would never support a puppet prince controlled by the Spirit Hall.

Feng Yao gently stroked the jade pendant at his waist with his fingertips, a playful glint in his eyes: "Lead the way." His tone was gentle, yet carried an unquestionable air.

At this moment, his soul power flowed within his body, his level 83 soul power surging ceaselessly through his meridians. Although he was still inferior to the Sword Bone Douluo, after fusing with Xiao Wu's 100,000-year soul ring and soul bone, he was confident that even if he fell into a predicament, he could escape unscathed by relying on his teleportation and invincible golden body abilities.

The disciple respectfully stepped aside and gestured "please" towards the street corner. A gilded carriage stood quietly in the twilight, four pure white horses waiting patiently, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School emblem on the carriage shaft gleamed faintly in the sunlight.

"You've prepared very thoroughly." Feng Yao's lips curled up slightly, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

"Your Excellency is too kind," the disciple said with a slight bow, the cloud pattern subtly embroidered on his cuffs appearing and disappearing with the movement. "The Sect Master specifically instructed that we must not neglect our distinguished guest."

Feng Yao lightly flicked his robes with his fingertips and stepped calmly onto the gilded carriage. As the beaded curtains rustled softly, a faint scent of ambergris wafted through the air. The driver on the carriage shaft flicked the reins, and the four snow-white horses simultaneously raised their heads and neighed, slowly setting off in perfect unison.

The gilded carriage rolled across the heavy bluestone streets of Tiandou City, gradually disappearing into the twilight. The street scenes along the way shimmered through the gaps in the beaded curtains, and Feng Yao leaned against a brocade cushion, her fingertips lightly tapping the windowpane. As the carriage passed through the city gate, the guards saluted, the clanging of their armor crisp and melodious.

Before long, the carriage had already entered the official road leading to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. The ancient pines on both sides of the road rustled in the breeze, and occasionally a few pine needles drifted down onto the roof of the carriage, making a soft, rustling sound. Feng Yao gazed at the glazed pagoda spire that was faintly visible in the distance, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)